Hey lovely readers, I’ve got some renovations going on at home, which is why there’s been a bit of a delay in updates. But I’m doing my best to get as many chapters out as possible this month—and hopefully, I’ll finally be able to finish this novel too! Thank you so much for all your support. Have a wonderful day!
[Caden]“Daddy! Daddy! Why can’t we stay here one more day? It’s so cool around here. So many places to run and play!”Benjamin hops around me, trying to convince me in his cute little voice to do something that feels kind of impossible. I mean, I’d love to stay—don’t get me wrong. After what happened last night, I understand this might be my only chance to make things right between Vivienne and me. Maybe everything happened for the best. Maybe this is why destiny brought us back together, giving us this one shot to fix what we broke.Sure, Vivienne might not actually believe in my so-called theory, but I know in my heart I’m right. I just know it. I can feel it in my gut.Besides, knowing my son is alive and kicking, I can’t think of a single excuse to part with him. I want us to spend as much time together as possible. I want to take him home with me and show the world that my son—my blood—didn’t die in that accident. In fact, he’s very much alive. And even though I’ve only known fo
[Caden]This time, I don’t know what to say.I mean, what can I say, really?Sure, I did talk to Ben about Axel’s sight being normal, but I also made him promise not to say anything.Then again, what can you really expect from a five-year-old? To keep a promise he’s obviously way too excited to keep in. I should have known this was bound to happen. Today or tomorrow, he was going to slip, and the promise he made to me would be long forgotten.Shit. This is not how I imagined this conversation going.Yes, I wanted to get Axel checked out by my doctor in Japan, but I didn’t want to give any false hope either. It was after years of treatment that I was able to handle and sometimes control my vision disappearing on me. It took lots of tests and scans and experiments for things to finally work. I would never go ahead of myself and say it would be easier for my son this time, considering I’ve already gone through the worst. But as my doctor likes to say, every body is different from the oth
[Vivienne]Kind of.That’s what he said. That’s what he wants me to believe.I mean, really?What kind of answer is that even? Is that a yes, or a no, or a maybe?I shake my head. Not that I got the chance to ask him anything further.The kids started getting rowdy outside, and we realized it was time to head back home.We both needed time to process everything that had happened in the last 24 hours anyway.So, while Caden drove home with Benjamin, I took the estate car—mine, always parked and ready—and drove home with Axel.While during most of the ride, Axel remained animatic, talking on and on about Benjamin and what they planned to do on this so-called vacation Caden suggested without ever discussing with me, during the rest, he slept peacefully.By the time we made it home, he was still asleep.But that’s not what turns the smile off my face.It’s the man standing in my driveway.I get out of the car and smile at Xander. “Hey! How long have you been here?”“Not very long,” he say
[Vivienne]The dinner at the table turned cold an hour ago but no sign of Caden.I check the time on the wall clock for the hundredth time perhaps, and try to suppress the hurt that once again rises to the surface like an angry volcano beneath my chest.It’s our third anniversary, and it’s almost midnight now, but like every single day in the past three years, he’s late as usual.I don’t know why I even try. My husband has dismissed me, rejected my efforts, and broken my heart so many times in the past, one would think I would have learned my lesson.But unfortunately, I have been cursed to be always hopeful.“Madam, should I reheat the dinner?” The head maid asks, pulling me out of my thoughts.I suck in the hurt and wipe away the tears from my eyes, not wanting to look as devastated as I feel.I smile at her like I always do.“No. That won’t be necessary,” I say and get up from the chair, pretending to yawn, hoping to look tired. “I think Caden got caught up in the meeting again,” b
[Vivienne]“Shh,” he hushes me, sucking my nipple harshly in his mouth. “Let’s just get over with it.”I gasp loudly as he bites down hard, making my whole body jerk with the sharp ache. I try to push him away, but it proves nothing in front of the force he is. He’s far stronger than me, far more persistent.“Stop resisting!” He snaps, yanking my hand away from his shoulder and pins it down above my head. “Isn’t this why you kept calling and texting me all day, wanting me to give you my attention? Isn’t this why you wore that sexy red gown tonight?”He grinds down his erection on my thigh, making me aware of the fact how hard he is right now.Is it because of the time he spent with Sasha or because of me? I can’t even tell anymore.“You never came!” I bite down a moan and glare up at him. “You promised to come home early today, Caden. It’s our anniversary!”He looks at me as if I had grown another head, tipping his face to the side, his dark eyes glinting in the moonlight pouring thro
[Vivienne]It takes me a minute to process what just happened. I don’t know why I said those words. I don’t want a divorce. I love Caden. I want to be with him forever. I want to have kids with him. I want to build a family with him.But he’s so done with me, that he didn’t even hesitate to agree to my demand.Tears spring to my eyes, and for the first time in a long time, I feel broken.I slump to the floor, hugging my knees to my chest.I cry until I feel numb.I cry until I feel empty.I cry until I feel nothing.And then when I can’t cry anymore, I pick myself up and head back to my room.There’s no point in staying back anymore. Caden doesn’t want me.It’s more obvious than ever.I pack my stuff and get ready to leave.When I’m done packing, I call someone I haven’t contacted in a while.He picks up in the second ring, and even though I try to keep the hurt at bay, it still shines through my voice.“Hey, Viv. What’s up?”I take a deep breath, not knowing how to say what I need to
[Vivienne]During the entire drive to Elijah’s place, I keep my gaze out and thought to myself.Elijah tries to break the silence a few times, but I only have a word or two for him in response. I’m just not in the mood for a conversation. All I want is some space and quiet, so I can finally come to terms with what I’m about to do.Once we reach his place, he comes around to open the door, and it’s only then I realize that we have reached.“I’m sorry, I kind of faded away,” I mumble apologetically, but he only rolls his eyes.“Don’t be,” he says and I like the way he’s not making a big deal of anything. He behaves like he always does, always cool in the head. “You know I’m glad to be of help. You wouldn’t have called if you didn’t already know.”He’s right. I do know. When I left my home for Caden, Elijah was the only one who came to tell me that he had always had my back. That no matter the circumstances, he would never disappoint me.I nod and that’s where we leave the conversation.
[Vivienne]To say I know the voice of the woman on the line would be an understatement.“What’s the point of calling me right now, Sasha?” I say and suppress a yawn. This is the worst thing to wake up to. To hear the sound of the woman behind my failed marriage. Well, one of the reasons.She laughs, sounding more excited than I want to know.“Just making sure it’s not one of your stunts to get Caden’s attention. We both know you’ll do anything for that man, even fake a divorce request to get him running to you.”I grit my teeth, my hands turning white around the phone. I can feel my temper rising, but I control it somehow.“Trust me, Sasha, you haven’t seen half of what I can do to get Caden’s attention.”She laughs, mocking me. I try not to lose my temper.“I don’t doubt it, Vivienne. But you should know by now that Caden wants nothing to do with you. You were just a replacement, remember? Your marriage has been a farce since day one.”I clench the phone tighter, so close to screamin
[Vivienne]Kind of.That’s what he said. That’s what he wants me to believe.I mean, really?What kind of answer is that even? Is that a yes, or a no, or a maybe?I shake my head. Not that I got the chance to ask him anything further.The kids started getting rowdy outside, and we realized it was time to head back home.We both needed time to process everything that had happened in the last 24 hours anyway.So, while Caden drove home with Benjamin, I took the estate car—mine, always parked and ready—and drove home with Axel.While during most of the ride, Axel remained animatic, talking on and on about Benjamin and what they planned to do on this so-called vacation Caden suggested without ever discussing with me, during the rest, he slept peacefully.By the time we made it home, he was still asleep.But that’s not what turns the smile off my face.It’s the man standing in my driveway.I get out of the car and smile at Xander. “Hey! How long have you been here?”“Not very long,” he say
[Caden]This time, I don’t know what to say.I mean, what can I say, really?Sure, I did talk to Ben about Axel’s sight being normal, but I also made him promise not to say anything.Then again, what can you really expect from a five-year-old? To keep a promise he’s obviously way too excited to keep in. I should have known this was bound to happen. Today or tomorrow, he was going to slip, and the promise he made to me would be long forgotten.Shit. This is not how I imagined this conversation going.Yes, I wanted to get Axel checked out by my doctor in Japan, but I didn’t want to give any false hope either. It was after years of treatment that I was able to handle and sometimes control my vision disappearing on me. It took lots of tests and scans and experiments for things to finally work. I would never go ahead of myself and say it would be easier for my son this time, considering I’ve already gone through the worst. But as my doctor likes to say, every body is different from the oth
[Caden]“Daddy! Daddy! Why can’t we stay here one more day? It’s so cool around here. So many places to run and play!”Benjamin hops around me, trying to convince me in his cute little voice to do something that feels kind of impossible. I mean, I’d love to stay—don’t get me wrong. After what happened last night, I understand this might be my only chance to make things right between Vivienne and me. Maybe everything happened for the best. Maybe this is why destiny brought us back together, giving us this one shot to fix what we broke.Sure, Vivienne might not actually believe in my so-called theory, but I know in my heart I’m right. I just know it. I can feel it in my gut.Besides, knowing my son is alive and kicking, I can’t think of a single excuse to part with him. I want us to spend as much time together as possible. I want to take him home with me and show the world that my son—my blood—didn’t die in that accident. In fact, he’s very much alive. And even though I’ve only known fo
[Vivienne]Something is up with me.Because God knows, no matter how many times—or how hard—I try to understand what’s coming out of Caden’s mouth, I just can’t.It all sounds ridiculous at first. And second. And third.But deep down, even I know there’s some truth to what he’s saying.Not because I believe what he just confessed, but because knowing my son, and knowing how serious and unpredictable his condition is, I know at least one of these two isn’t lying.For me, it’s Axel, of course.I shake my head, trying to process too much information at the same time I’m trying to pretend nothing sexual happened between the two of us last night.Good Lord, I wanted to kill myself the moment I realized what happened the second he stepped into my room.Well, ultimate chaos happened. That’s what happened.But thankfully, we are not talking about THAT, are we?“You can’t be—how can you—why am I? Are you seriously—no! You know what? Why should I believe you? You could be lying through your fuc
I don’t want to get ahead of myself and give false hope to anyone. So I just smile and pinch his cheeks. “We’ll see. But for now, this will be our secret. Okay? You can’t tell anything to Axel. Not if you want him to get better.”Benjamin doesn’t need any more encouragement. He simply grins and makes a promise not to say a word.Once that’s settled, we head to where Vivienne and Axel are still sitting.When we reach them, I lean down and tip my head to the side. “Good morning, bud. How are you doing today?”Axel turns his head slightly toward the sound of my voice, his small hands still gently brushing over the grass. “Morning,” he says with a shy smile. “I’m good. Benjamin was telling me about some cool game… he made it sound really fun.”“I bet it is,” I say, crouching down so I’m level with him. “You know, if you ever want, I could maybe help set up a way for you to try it out.”Axel’s brows lift a little, curious. “Even if I can’t see?”“Even then,” I nod. “There’s always a way.”
[Caden]The next morning, when I wake up, my body feels like hell.Not because I’m sore from the sex marathon last night, but because—even after fucking Vivienne all night—I still crave her so damn hard.Shit. If only I had known how much I was really missing all these years, honest to God, I would’ve never let her go. And truth be told, I can’t even remember why I did in the first place. Maybe the time and distance blurred everything that mattered back then. Or maybe... I just can’t justify my reasons anymore—not now that I know what I’ve lost. Not now that I know nothing could ever come close to what I feel when she’s near me.I turn to my side, reaching for her, only to find her side of the bed cold.Damn it. When did she leave? Is she regretting last night?I’m not. But I wouldn’t be surprised if she is.After all, it wasn’t something either of us planned. All I know is that when I left that office and went to the guest room, I couldn’t think of anything but her lips on mine, my h
[Vivienne]“Anyway, it’s late now,” I finally say, after a long, awkward silence between us. “You should rest. We can continue this talk tomorrow.”“Or maybe we should keep talking,” he suggests instead, brows deeply furrowed, as if he’s in one of his bad moods but doesn’t want me to think he is.“You must be tired. The drive was long.”“I’m not.”“Well, I am,” I say, not sure how else to push this conversation to the morning. Because God knows, I can’t think straight anymore. My heart is beating too fast. My head is swaying too loud. And my skin… my skin is practically on fire.It’s been a long, long time since someone put me in such a daze with merely a touch. And the only person to do that—even back then—surprisingly, turns out to be Caden himself.That’s why I know I can’t be any closer to him. That’s why I know this conversation needs to end. And I need to lock myself in my room before I do something stupid…“You don’t look tired,” he says instead, watching me with that scrutiniz
Obviously, I don’t know what to say, but I can’t say it doesn’t make me furious to think about the kind of man she’s pegged me for all this time.That’s what I get for not being honest from the very beginning.I get it—all the accusations. The distrust. The disappointment.And it’s a bitter pill to swallow. I get it. I swear I do.But that doesn’t mean I’ll let her talk down to me like this, thinking of me as someone I’ve never been.“You know,” I say after a while, inhaling a deep breath and taking a few slow steps in her direction, “you and I—we’re no different from each other.”“You’ve lost your mind,” she scoffs, not even letting me finish. “If you think you and I are even in the same category. I’ve done nothing wrong in my life.”“And neither did I. I never cheated on you, or slept with Sasha or whatever woman you accuse me of being with. Yes, I might have accidentally kissed her once or twice, but let me tell you—it was what it was. An accident. I didn’t do it on purpose. I was…
[Caden]For a minute, a long silence follows after what Vivienne just said.And I don’t blame either one of us for it.How can I, when no matter how many times I try to wrap my head around what she just told me, I still fail to do so?How am I supposed to believe that someone wanted my child gone? And who was that woman? What was she trying to achieve with that accident? Was getting my unborn child killed the only thing she was after, or was there something else in the picture? And once again, who the hell was that woman, anyway?I’ll be honest with you. This all feels like a convenient story my ex-wife cooked up just to get me off her back. It very well sounds like one. Too bizarre. Too unpredictable. Too… impossible.But the way she’s looking at me—so tense, so worried, and damn frustrated—something stops me from calling her out on the lie.Because what if she’s telling the truth? What if everything she just said actually happened? There was an accident—that I know for sure. And the